Chapter 16, Section III

 At the end of the 15 th century, Japan was in chaos.  Daimyo controlled their own lands and warred with their neighbors (feudal?).  Unification began in the late 16 th century with three powerful figures:  Oda Nobunaga [oh-DAH-noh-NAH-gah]  Toyotomi Hideyoshi [toh-yoh-TOH-mee HEE-day-YOH-shee]  Tokugawa Ieyasu [toh-koh-GAH-wah ee-YAH-soo]

Seized the capital of Kyoto Tried to consolidate rule.

 A farmer’s son who became a military commander.  Located his capital at Osaka.  By 1590, he had persuaded most of the daimyo to accept his authority.

 Edo = Modern-day Tokyo Took control of Japan.  Ieyasu took title of shogun in Completed the restoration of central authority begun by Nobunaga and Hideyoshi.  Remained in power until 1868 Brought a long period of peace known as the “Great Peace”

 Portuguese first to come to Japan. Welcome at first (fascinated by tobacco, eyeglasses, weapons).

 Jesuits Converted a number of daimyo. Then thousands of Japanese became Christians.  Shrines were destroyed by the Jesuits.  Hideyoshi issued an edict prohibiting Christian activities within his lands.  Some Jesuits continued their mission work.  Under Tokugawa leyasu all missionaries were expelled and Japanese Christians were persecuted.

 Europeans were the next to go. Only the Dutch were allowed to remain in Japan.

 Control feudal system.  State divided into 250 territories called hans. Ruled by Daimyo.  The Shogun controlled the daimyo by using a hostage system. Had to maintain two residences – one in their own lands and one in Edo, where the court of the shogun was located.

 Upper class Japanese had considered trade and industry beneath them.  Under Tokugawa rule trade and industry flourished! o Banking was doing well. o Paper money was the medium of exchange. o A merchant class emerged.